Becoming an RSSB member

​​​​RSSB and the benefits of being a member

The railway is a complex system with multiple interfaces delivered by many different organisations.

At RSSB we bring these different organisations together to make collective decisions.

Through research, risk modelling and analysis we help the rail industry in the areas of safety, standards, knowledge, and innovation.

We support the railway too across a wide range of cross-industry topics requiring our knowledge and independence. And we provide a constant point of reference in a changing environment.

Our work involves close collaboration, but as technical experts we're also able to step back and provide an informed view. And because we can see both the big picture and the detail, we're able to furnish the industry with the information and tools it needs to continuously improve.

We're an expert body with a wide compass of knowledge, skills and experience. We're owned by the industry but are non profit-making and independent of any commercial interests.

We span the whole system, including in our membership infrastructure companies, train and freight operators, rolling stock owners and suppliers to the industry.

Who joins RSSB and why?

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Any company playing a part in operating or supporting the British railway system can join RSSB.

The rail industry faces significant challenges now. Growth in passenger and freight traffic tests our railways to achieve and maintain higher performance under pressure. In the years ahead there will be bigger commercial and technological challenges to rail, including the need to increase capacity and customer satisfaction, while simultaneously reducing cost and carbon.

The many different organisations that play a part in the railways are all connected and dependent on one another through legal duties, contracts, procurement, relationships, and operation.

Working in isolation is not an option.

By being part of the RSSB world, you are better able to collaborate with others like you, to help shape solutions to issues of concern to your company and to benefit from the positive results and efficiencies.

This is what makes RSSB so valuable: we embody the common purpose and shared strategic outlook of the British rail sector.

Together we focus on those issues which one company can't solve on its own efficiently, either because it affects many other companies, or because there's an opportunity to address it better together.

Most, if not all, organisations engaged in the railways will also have a legal duty to cooperate with one another on safety. By becoming a member of RSSB you are also showing public commitment to the rail industry, and this goes some way to demonstrating your duty of co-operation.

Membership and involvement offer you the time and space to recognise both the scale of the challenge facing all rail companies, but also the opportunity to invest in the spirit of togetherness, teamwork and common purpose, in a way that ultimately benefits you, your company, your stakeholders and your customers.

If you would like to join RSSB as a member, please get in touch. You can can talk to our dedicated team by telephone 020 3142 5400 or fill in a simple online form.

The duty to co-operate applies to all transport undertakings and infrastructure managers, and those who are required to have a safety management system. This includes those operators who do not need a safety certificate or authorisation under ROGS. Importantly, the duty also applies to contractors - including those who are self-employed. Employers who are not affected by ROGS but whose work affects the safety of a transport system have a duty to co-operate with transport operators under the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act.

The aim of co-operating is to make sure the railway is safe. This means operators doing all they reasonably can to allow other operators to comply with ROGS.

This particularly includes keeping to:

The requirements of the safety management system duties; and their risk assessment duties

Organisations which join RSSB

Network Rail and other infrastructure managers

Train operating companies

Freight operating companies

Rolling stock leasing companies (ROSCOs)

Infrastructure contractors

Contractors and suppliers.

What does RSSB offer me?

You have access to a wide range of facilities, funding, networks and resources to help your business. You can take full advantage of our central focus point for issues management and industry decision making and contribute to the shape of underlying strategies and products and services. We have a comprehensive range of products and services, which can be grouped into four major areas: